The BA (Hons) Performance Industries (Top-Up) Music Degree has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the music industry. This course is aimed at vocalists, guitarists, drummers, keyboard, bass players, songwriters, music producers and music technologists.

HOW LONG IS IT FOR?

It is a full-time, 2-Semester course, studied over one year.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This BA (Hons) Performance Industries Top-Up Music Degree is designed to follow on from most music-related Foundation Degree pathways. This can include music performance, music production, music technology or similar courses.

You may also be eligible to study this qualification using your experience and expertise within your industry sector. (Recognition of Prior Learning).

The music degree will suit experienced musicians/music producers/music technologists of any age (20+) who are already working in the music industry in some capacity.

There are two pathways: Music Performance or Music Production/Technology.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Music Performers should be confident, skilled performers, able to sight-read notation, improvise competently and adapt to a range of musical genres. Prior experience of playing or singing in front of an audience is essential.

MUSIC PRODUCTION
Music Producers/Technologists should have practical experience in a recording studio, and a portfolio of production work. They are expected to be confident and skilled in at least one industry-standard music technology software; Logic Pro X, ProTools or Cubase.APPLICATION
Application is direct to the University of Wolverhampton via their website, and applicants will have an interview and an audition at The Academy of Music and Sound prior to acceptance. Mature applicants are most welcome to apply with relevant work-experience in a related industry.

ENTRY

To apply for the BA(Hons) Top-Up course, you should apply directly to the University of Wolverhampton. Please visit www.wlv.ac.uk and search for Performance Industries courses and select the centre at which you wish to study.
Minimum entry requirement: Foundation Degree, HND (or equivalent) or fast track entry can be made through Recognition of Prior Learning to demonstrate significant professional musical experience.

FEES

WHERE IS THIS COURSE AVAILABLE?

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL I STUDY?

This Level 6 qualification is potentially the most practical one studied at the Academy. It affords each student an enormous amount of creative autonomy and freedom.

PROFESSIONAL PROJECT
This year-long module that gives the ‘Hons’ part of your degree. You will be assigned a Personal Supervisor, who will mentor you as you develop your work in one of the following areas of your choice:

Performance

Songwriting

Composition

Music Production

Dissertation

Event Management

EMPLOYABILITY & ENTERPRISE
In this module, you will be required to plan, organise, rehearse and stage a music event during the course of the semester.

MUSIC & MOVING IMAGE
For this one, students will have the opportunity to research music used for animation, film, TV or computer games and then compose and record a soundtrack for a moving image piece of your choice.

INDEPENDENT STUDY
In this module, you will plan, create and promote a feasible music product (i.e., CD, music download, book, DVD, teaching practice, music therapy service, masterclass service etc.). Then you will create a business plan showing market research and create a website to market it.

Here are two modules you can choose from, depending on your preference to either perform, or compose and produce music:

Option 1 – Production Project
In the SP module, you will develop music production skills employed in the creation of professional recordings. You will gain a deep insight into the work and production approaches of leading music producers through analytical studies; and develop planning, communication and collaborative skills through production tasks.

Option 2 – University Ensemble
Finally, in the University Ensembles module, you must rehearse on a weekly basis with two ensembles (one of which must be ‘large scale’ of five or more musicians). This module culminates in a 25-minute performance with each ensemble at the end of the semester.